Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Cochin Wine Bar & Restaurant

Cochin is a realisation of co‐owners Bruce Dowding and Jason Baker’s passion for French wine and Vietnamese cuisine and its connections with France.

The wine bar puts an interesting spin on the traditional Vietnamese eateries usually found in Richmond with a menu that draws from the significant influence of the French in the colony of “Cochin”, now the southern part of Vietnam.

Bruce and Jason’s rich understanding of the Melbourne hospitality scene translates into a well-oiled machine more than capable of satisfying Melbourne’s inherent love of Asian food and fine wine.

The wine list is concise and features some really exciting wines by the glass from France and elsewhere, dispensed from a state of the art Eurocave wine keeper.

Spring Rolls

We loved tasting our way through the menu. For starters, we enjoyed old favourites Pork & prawn spring rolls which are delicately hand rolled and boast a magnificent crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Fried Quail

The fried quail was similarly well made. The fried wok-tossed quail was perfectly cooked and tender and flavoured with a traditional spice mix.

Duck a l’Orange

A must have is the Duck a l’Orange. A Vietnamese take on a traditional French dish, the Duck leg was expertly slow roasted to achieve a moreish crunchy exterior. The umami-laden sweet and sticky orange sauce worked well to provide the crowning element to this luxurious dish.

For mains the Prawn in coconut milk is to die for. The Pan fried prawns in a silky coconut cream sauce spun together with bean thread vermicelli curry showed balance and style, with an appetising level of chilli power. Laced with plump and delightfully fresh prawns, the luxurious coconut curry was incredibly flavoursome and exhibited a marvellous aromatic lift.

From left: Pork and Lemongrass; Prawn in Coconut Milk

Another highlight was the Pork and Lemongrass dish featuring finely sliced pork marinated in red wine with smacks of fresh lemongrass, served with a hot chilli garnish. The fluffy white rice was the perfect canvas for the rich flavours of this punchy stir fry.

Assiette a Dessert

For something sweet we recommend the chef’s selection dessert platter to enjoy with you coffee (or their perfectly brewed Peppermint tea).

Conveniently located in Swan Street Richmond near Church Street, Cochin is a brilliant addition to an interesting dynamic of restaurants and bars that have recently opened in the area.